DHAKA: Sony Pictures is distributing its film The Interview online, after a cyber-attack and a row over its release.

The film is being offered through a dedicated website - seetheinterview.com - as well as via Google and Microsoft but is only available in the US.

Sony had previously pulled the film, whose plot centres on a plan to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The cancellation had been criticised by US President Barack Obama.

Since then, several hundred independent cinemas across the US have come forward offering to show the title.

The digital deal means the film is available through Google services YouTube and Play, and Microsoft's Xbox Video platform.

The film costs $5.99 (£3.80) to rent, or $14.99 to buy, Sony said.

"It has always been Sony's intention to have a national platform on which to release this film," said Michael Lynton, chairman and chief executive of Sony Entertainment, in a statement.

A spokesman for Sony told the BBC the release was US-only "at this point".

Shortly after going live, the seetheinterview.com website was rendered inaccessible, most likely due to heavy traffic.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1043 HRS, DEC 25, 2014